1 C1 idiomatic slang
To mock or publicly humiliate a specific person, often online or in front of an audience (internet slang).
"The whole internet was clowning on the celebrity after that embarrassing interview clip went viral."
inseparable
clown on
C1 slang inseparable transitive
To publicly mock, ridicule, or humiliate a specific person, especially on social media (internet slang).
In plain English
To make fun of someone in front of other people and embarrass them.
What does "clown on" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Usage tip
Modern internet and social media slang, popular among younger English speakers, particularly in American English. Used when someone's mistakes or embarrassing moments are shared or ridiculed publicly online. Distinct from the older sense of clowning around.
Words that pair with "clown on"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
social media internet Twitter video post comments
How to conjugate "clown on"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
clown on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
clowns on
he/she/it
Past simple
clowned on
yesterday
Past participle
clowned on
have + pp
-ing form
clowning on
continuous
Hear "clown on" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "clown on" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.